One of the most common questions when it comes to car hire concerns the available payment methods. Every rental company has its own policies governing how rentals must be paid, with solutions that may be more or less convenient for travellers.

Today we want to help you understand the most common payment options and the conditions you should know before completing your vehicle booking.

Payment methods in car rental

In most cases, rental companies require payment by credit card issued in the driver’s name. This gives the company the guarantees it needs to approve a short-term car rental. Nowadays, however, some agencies also allow other payment methods such as debit cards, bank cards, and cash. This means that even those without a credit card can still rent a vehicle.

The same applies not only to the rental fee itself but also to the security deposit, deductibles, and other guarantee-related costs.

At Ellepi car rental at Olbia Airport, we allow travellers to book their rental car using several payment options:

  • credit cards
  • debit cards
  • prepaid cards
  • cash
  • bank cards
  • Maestro cards

In addition to paying for the rental, a security deposit must also be provided based on the type of vehicle selected, as stated on the vehicle page and in the booking voucher. The deposit can be issued using:

  • credit card
  • debit card
  • cash
  • prepaid cards

This way, every traveller can freely choose the most suitable option to access the car rental service.

Can you rent a car using someone else’s credit card?

It depends. Each company follows its own rules, and it’s crucial to know them in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. Some rental companies do not allow rentals to be paid with a credit card belonging to someone other than the driver. In these cases, the payment method must always be in the driver’s name.

However, some companies — including Ellepi — allow rentals to be paid with a credit card not belonging to the driver, provided the cardholder is present at the time of vehicle pick-up and provides all required identification. The cardholder must be one of the travellers and must accept responsibility for all charges listed in the rental agreement.

Renting a car without a credit card is possible — you simply need to find the right company.

Minimum requirements for renting a car

Beyond payment methods, there are other requirements that may affect whether you can rent a car for work or leisure. These include the driver’s age and the required documentation.

The minimum age for the main driver and additional drivers is 21, with a licence held for at least two years. From the age of 25, with a licence held for at least two years, it is possible to rent a car without any extra fees. Drivers aged between 21 and 25 must pay a daily “young driver” supplement, added to the cost of additional services.

At pick-up, the driver must present a valid driving licence issued at least two years earlier. The driver must also show an original, valid ID document. Without these documents, the rental company cannot release the vehicle.

It is important to remember that the driving licence must:

  • be valid at the time of pick-up and with an expiry date after the return date;
  • be in good condition, without damages that compromise readability;
  • not contain unauthorised modifications unless certified by the issuing authority;
  • display the driver’s signature and photo.

Are you planning your holiday in Sardinia and thinking of booking a rental car? Discover our fleet and reserve your vehicle in advance to be fully prepared upon arrival at Olbia Airport!